Warm temperatures continue for NJ as summer turns to autumn

A drop in humidity and clearing skies will make conditions more comfortable and pleasant by late Wednesday, with very low rain chances.

New Jersey finds itself on the northern fringe of a low pressure system formerly known as Tropical Storm Julia. That has kept thick clouds overhead and humidity in the air. We also have some pockets of thick fog for Wednesday morning, with visibilities down to a quarter-mile to a half-mile in spots.

We'll begin the day with overcast to mostly cloudy skies. Gradual clearing is expected through the day Wednesday, especially the further north and west in N.J. you go. Having said that, South Jersey might be stuck in the clouds all day. Models also suggest a slight shower chance to the south today, just like yesterday.

Meanwhile, humidity should begin dropping Wednesday afternoon. Despite the drier air and cloud cover, it's still going to be a warm day with highs in the lower to mid 80s.

Skies will continue to clear overnight, contributing to comfortably cool temperatures. Thermometers should dip into the lower 60s across most of the Garden State, with a few 50s in NW NJ and the Pine Barrens.

Autumn officially begins at 10:21 a.m. EDT Thursday, and it's going to be a warm and summerlike start to the season. I'm thinking (and hoping) we'll enjoy mostly sunny skies on Thursday with nice, warm high temperatures between about 80 and 85 degrees.

Friday looks good too, with highs in the mid 80s and mostly to partly sunny skies.

As a cold front pushes through New Jersey late Friday night into early Saturday morning, a few light rain showers will be possible. I stress the word "light" here - if we pick up 0.10" in the rain gauge, I will be supremely surprised.

The more significant effect of that front will be the delivery of the driest, coolest air of the season (so far). The forecast for Saturday has gotten cooler, with high temperatures only expected to reach the lower 70s. That's actually a degree or two below normal for late September.

Sunday gets even more fall-like, with high temperatures between about 65 and 70 degrees. By early next week, we also may be talking about low temperatures in the 40s for at least part of New Jersey!

Meanwhile, the forecast remains very dry overall. Our next significant rain chance holds off until late next week, at the earliest.

The tropics remain active. As of Wednesday morning, Tropical Depression Karl and Tropical Storm Lisa are out in the Atlantic. But both storms are expected to turn out to sea. (In the process, Karl may have a direct impact on Bermuda.)

Dan Zarrow is Chief Meteorologist for Townsquare Media New Jersey. Follow him on Facebook or Twitter for the latest forecast and realtime weather updates.